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Wednesday, March 5, 2014

**This post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company

Slow-Cooked Chicken & Butternut Squash

“The heart is the pump that keeps blood circulating throughout the body and thereby transports nutrients, breakdown products, antibodies, hormones, and gases to and from the tissues. The heart consists mostly of muscle; the myocardial cells (collectively termed the myocardium) are arranged in ways that set it apart from other types of muscle.” (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/95485/cardiac-muscle)

Stuffed Winter Squash

Above is a somewhat medical definition of the heart. The heart is also classified as an organ, and an extremely important one. We have all, at one time or another heard our own hearts racing or felt the beat of another person’s heart. Author’s write about beating hearts all the time! But—how do we take care that this most important muscle (organ) in our body stays fit and healthy so that it will continue to beat rhythmically in our body for MANY years ti come? One of the simplest ways is to watch what we eat—read labels—get our yearly check ups. Watching our weight helps as well.

Broccoli Cheddar Rice

Being single it is easy for me to just grab something, anything that is quick and easy-but usually not too good for me or my heart. For many years I did just that. Then I was diagnosed as type 2 diabetic. Sometimes being stubborn can work for you—being stubborn I changed my eating habits immediately and now am considered pre-diabetic. I now tend to actually cook for myself (yes, I do know how!) and am keeping the weight off that I lost. I have found that there are recipes that I can make that are simple and easy and relatively quick. I have added 5 here but there are more.

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure 2 years ago in February. I had this killer headache that just would not go away after a few weeks, I finally gave in and went to see the doctor. My BP was through the roof and I was admitted to the hospital right away because they thought I was going to have a stroke any minute. From that day on, I ate healthy and lots TONS of weight. My kids are young and need me, so I wasn't taking any chances.

I love these suggestions! My husband and I have made a commitment to be healthier this year and our diet has changed tremendously. We've tried hard to drastically cut takeout and eat at home more. I'm always looking for recipes so this really helps - Thanks!